Blog Tour - Verity Jacobs’ THE SCIENCE OF ATTRACTION

The Science of Attraction - Verity Jacobs

Verity’s Expat Series #1

Published May 26th 2014 - Selfpublished

Kindle pgs 184

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Kate Ramsey is at the top of her game.

She’s the hot new recruit at the most prestigious research institute in Germany, and she’s determined to live up to the hype — even if it means working day and night. Stress relief comes in the form of a no-nonsense affair with her neighbor, who also happens to be the director of the institute. Who says sex should be anything more than a contract between two people who have other things on their mind?

So when Tom Baker saunters into her life, Kate is understandably upset to see this well-oiled machine splutter and seize. Tom is young and smart, and far too pretty for his own good. Kate can’t help but be drawn to him, even if giving in to the attraction would mean risking everything she’s worked for.

Attraction is such an intriguing thing it could be a sound, a smell, a look, a combination of a few different things. Verity Jacob’s The Science of Attraction has the right mix of charming, seduction, and entertainment that made this read so enjoyable.

I did find it difficult to imagine everyone in this lab as adults, it just didn’t seem possible for me to phantom that these very educated lab techs were so awkward and random.

Lead research Biologist Kate is leading a secret relationship with her boss and lab director Rob who also happens to be very douche like finds her attention swayed when she is given a new recruit. That new recruit, Tom,  just happens to be not only smart, but sexy as well. Everything about Kate’s attraction to Tom tells her no, but her body and heart is screaming yes.

While there is somewhat a love triangle, I found a way to justify it because Kate and Rob’s relationship seem more so based of the physical than anything else. Yes there is unnecessary drama that could have been avoided if people would use their communication skills but I guess that part of what makes things interesting.

The epilogue gives a sneak peek on what’s coming up next that I can’t wait to find out more.

Verity Jacobs is a reformed scientist, who left the lab when she fell in love with writing about love. She lives with her husband and baby girl in London, where she dreams by day and writes all night long. She is addicted to the heart flutters and stomach flips of the fictional romance world.

Twitter ** Goodreads Author Page ** THE SCIENCE OF ATTRACTION on Goodreads

Fitness Friday #3

So I kinda feel like I all but gave up on documenting my fitness journey than I realized this is all new to me and I don’t want to make this a job /chore. I want the entire experience to be as enjoyable as possible.

So to recap a few things that last time I checked in was doing the 30 day for the month of January well things did NOT go accordingly. For one I stayed on level 2 for about 3 weeks and didn’t realize it. I finally moved to Level 3 which again it felt like the work out flew by or my body is getting use to moving around. After getting a few days of Level 3 in I was plagued with the “co-worker bird flu”, actually it was a head cold that made my body ache and exercising was the last thing on my mind. I’m still stand by the assumptions that I felt that way because of my adorable work family.

Now that I’m in the month February I’m on a new workout which is Pauline Nordin’s Butt Bible. I originally found this years ago when ExerciseTv was a thing and I've always wanted to do and here’s my chance. According to the Butt Bible calendar is as follows

On the rest/ cardio day I decided to do Level 3 of the 30 day shred so I can take that off my fitness bucket list. On the “Rest” days my “plan” is to do yoga in my mind the extra stretching would make everything that hurts on me feels much better. I complete one week so far and what I have learned thus far is that her voice is very annoying but I like the workout so to fix the problem I just turn the volume of the video down and turn some music on. Yay me. As far as my morning routine for some reason I decided to do Jodi Higgs’s 30 day Abs, Back, Butt Chest, Oblique, Shoulder,& Thigh challenge. Not sure yet what I thinking, b/c now its becoming very intense but it feels good when I’m done. Soooo I’ll just stick with it.

I found out something that I didn't realize before and it was kinda a bummer I wasn't measuring my thighs properly, for some crazy reason I measure 4" above my knee but one day looking in the mirror I notice where my shorts end that part was bigger than where I was measuring. So now I searching multiple videos to make sure I’m measuring correctly.

My ultimate goal is still to feel awesome in my skin and just be overall healthy. So I will only do my measurements and weigh-in once a month I’m thinking on the 1st that sounds official enough.  

Book Review - The Phoenix Candidate -Heidi Joy Tretheway

The Phoenix Candidate - Heidi Joy Tretheway

Series: Grace Colton #1

Published January 12th 2015

Kindle pages 250

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Fans of Scandal, House of Cards, and The Good Wife will love Grace Colton...

U.S. Congresswoman Grace Colton is the most famous woman in politics—and the loneliest—until a drawling, sexy stranger offers her one night: no strings and no regrets. And it rocks her world.

Grace wakes to an empty hotel room and a phone call. The dark horse for the 2016 presidential election, Senator Shep Conover, is considering her as his vice presidential running mate.

Before she can be selected, Grace must be vetted and coached by Shep’s political consultant, Jared Rankin, who already knows too many intimate details about her. He’s Mr. One-Night Stand.

Grace is torn: play nice with Jared to join the senator’s ticket, or play hardball and back the slick frontrunner? As the Democratic National Convention approaches, Grace must decide where her loyalties lie and if she can trust Jared with her future—and her heart.

The Phoenix Candidate is an adult erotic romance recommended for mature readers.

Normally I'm a fan of political themes. Going in I basically thought I was going to get Scandal or a light version of House of Cards. Sadly that was not my experience. Don’t get me wrong the writing was on point and the story flowed like a good read should, the umph just wasn’t there for me. I’m sure 85% of it had to do with the heroine Grace.

Grace Colton won her Congress position in the wake of losing husband and son to gun violence. After securing her seat she has made some great impressions about is now being vetted for a possible VP run. Outside of Capitol Hill, I just didn't find her very interesting, what I did find slightly intriguing was her slight OCD that was never address. It drove me absolutely crazy. While out with the girls she’s approached by this unknown fine specimen that she leaves the bar with for some sexy time after some intense conversation. Little did Grace know this stranger already read her resume.

Literally. Jared Rakin is on an assignment to vet Grace for his employer for a VP, but his research of her has him wanting to know her on a more intimate level. He’s very mysterious and always on the move. Most of the time I couldn't tell where he stood with his feeling for Grace and his job.

The moment these came together things were never the same and I had a few concerns as follows

Jared being a consultant and has the assignment of vetting Grace for his employer - would it be considered sex harassment that he sleep with her? At the very least shouldn’t Jared  feel some type of way about a woman in her position that would willingly go to a stranger’s hotel to get all hot and sexy. That’s a reporter's dream headline “Congresswoman one night stand fetish”.

Second being in politics I would think Grace would have a game face. See wore all of her emotions on her sleeves. She have zero discretion about the people she trusted. Not to mention she didn’t come of as publically confident in herself. I understand that most people in power or the public eye are privately a mess, but come on keep it together until you get home.

Lastly the flipping kissing on the lips debacle for the life of me I COULD NOT understand why that was such a major issue. I enjoy kissing as much as the next person, but I will obsess over it with someone I just banging. Additionally these two should know that in their position to expect a camera to be everywhere they are why would you continue to have these almost x-rated PDA sessions where anyone walking by can see.

Like with every political theme anything there is secrets, lies, betrayal and of sex. All the main ingredients of awesome drama. The Phoenix Candidate is my first ever experience with Ms. Tretheway and while this was not an awesome read I still enjoyed myself and will stay tune for more political drama. One of the major plus for me is that this story will continue, but I was not left with a cliffhanger. Win - Win.

About Heidi Joy Tretheway:

Heidi Joy is a sucker for campfires, craft cocktails, and steamy romance in books and real life. She sings along with musicals (badly), craves French carbs, and buys plane tickets the way some women buy shoes.

Her first career as a journalist took Heidi behind the scenes with politicians, rock stars, chefs, and detectives, all of whom inspire her stories. Heidi Joy is currently working on her eighth book from her home in Portland, Oregon. She adores hearing from readers at author.heidi@gmail.com.

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Something Reckless (Reckless & Real #1) by Lexi Ryan

Something Reckless - Lexi Ryan

Series: Reckless & Real #1

Published December 22nd 2014 by Lexi Ryan

Kindle pgs: 343 

Amazon * B&N * Goodreads

Lexi Ryan has truly done it again. Not that I had any doubt in my mind that this was going to be the case. Everything she writes has keeps me smiling like an idiot. Something Reckless is book one of the three part series of Reckless & Real, I feel the need to mention that this series doesn’t feel like its long enough.

Frustrated with her love life or lack there of Lizzy decides to join a new online dating with hopes of finding that one.  Soon becoming Tink24, everyone on this site is anonymous so she feels safe letting her guard down. It doesn’t take long for Riverrat69 not only catch, but also maintain her attention. I’m sure the fact that his dirty and sexy words reminds her of the one she wants badly, Sam. The whole thing was one big mind f**k. I even questioned why won’t he just tell her who he really is.

Nothing is ever what it especially when Lizzy and Sam are involved. They spend so much of their time denying their feelings for each, which keeps things more than interesting. Like myself Lizzy is keeps trying to figure out the mystery that has been heating up her keyboard everyday. It was completely mind blowing once every come full circle and then I was left with a flipping cliffhanger. Whyyyyyy Ms Ryan do you not like me, but I have high hopes that time will fly and I will have Something Real in my hands in no time.

Blog Tour New Year in Manhattan (The Empire State Trilogy #3) by Louise Bay - Book Review

Thank you for stopping by for Louise Bay book tour for New Year in Manhattan hosted by AToMR. To follow this tour for more reviews and extras please click here.

New Year in Manhattan - Louise Bay

Series: The Empire State #3

Published January 13th 2015

Kindle pgs: 128

Amazon * B&N * Goodreads

New Year in Manhattan is not only the conclusion of Anna’s and Ethan’s love story, but a bittersweet way to end things. Things begins right where they ended Autumn in London, Anna finds herself in the airport hoping Ethan rethinks his return to New York. Sadly that is not how things go, fortunately these two decided to make a long distance relationship work. Of course with all distance these two realize they can’t live without each other that’s when plans and ideas are made to bring these two closer.

I find it hard to believe that this is the last of this series. I definitely believe these two have much to work out. While New Year in Manhattan is virtually drama free, all of the disputes were their own doing by not communicating with each other. Anna was always second guessing things and her lack of filter made her unbearable at times. I wish Ethan would have applied is no BS rule more often. I mean if you’re feeling some type of way about a situation that affects your love life you should say something not hold your tongue and definitely don’t pout when things don’t go your way.

The ending seem a bit rush. It seemed way too convenient the way everything fell in place.Although Anna and Ethan have their HEA, I don’t think they're truly ready for it. New Year in Manhattan is a must read that’s both sexy and sweet. I hope Ms Bay decides to add more to Anna and Ethan’s story maybe a cute novella so catch us up on their lives.

** also available **

Release Oct.21,2014
Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Released December 2, 2014

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

I write sexy, contemporary romance novels – the kind I like to read. My books Faithful and Hopeful are stand-alone novels although there are some overlapping characters. The Empire State Series of novellas starts with A Week in New York.

Ruined by romantic mini-series of the eighties, I love all things romantic. There's not enough of it in real life so I'll settle for books and films.

I love the rain, the West Wing, London, days when you don't have to wear make-up, being alone, being with friends, elephants and champagne.

Hearing from readers is the best thing in the world so get in touch!

Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon | Pinterest

Fitness Friday #2

So this week felt like a complete bust, I mean I’m even late getting this post up. My morning was NOT done AT ALL, but I did add my challenges to my evening workout that I did get end except for 2 days ( Friday b/c our water heater went out and I DID NOT want to take a cold shower, Saturday is hair day and that’s a beast all in it self ). Today, Sunday I did get my morning routine in before finishing my hair it felt so good to get in. This week will be my last week with Level 2 of 30 day shred, while I’m getting better at the workout I still have to pause every so often and catch my breathe. I also take my time with the lunges b/c my knees suck, but that’s been my life story, I really should have a doctor check them out butttttt I’m not at that point yet.

So the scale has not moved at all this week, but my measurements did a little drum roll pls ….

Chest 38’

Arms: L 12 / R 12

Waist 39.5

Hips 39.5

Thighs L 20 / R 20

Calves L 14 / R 14

With that I've lost ½ inches in my waist, hips, thighs ...not bad I think. Over I do honestly feel good about myself. Not to mention I've already said that this is NOT going to be about the scale and I currently do not have a desired weight. I just want to feel good in the skin I’m in.

we heart it

we heart it

Fitness Friday #1

My epiphany to start this journey did NOT start because the New Year was just around the corner, its actually been a plan with not much motion for awhile. Finally I decided I just needed to do it and as I navigate I would workout the kinks. So I could from a long family history of obesity, diabetes, heart problems, and other things that are more likely cause by poor lifestyles. Being honest I don’t want that to be my life, especially when I have the power to do something about to prevent it. My current situation is to not look at any scale victory, but more so challenge myself to keep moving and stay motivated to keep moving.

So what’s my plan is to get fit in my living room using youtube and pinterest for my workouts. I have 4 kids ( ages 16, 11, 10 & 7 ) and let not me not forget my hubby and the dog that keeps me busy and truthfully a gym membership is NOT in the budget. So working out at home works perfect for me. After the coercion of a co-worker I decided to give 30 day shred a try which is currently free on youtube. Only 20mins but it kicks butt. Since I haven’t workout since forever I did level 1 for about 3 weeks and without even really trying I not only gained some confidence but I also lost about 10 lbs. Woohoo! I was doing my happy dance. Shortly after the holidays came around and the flu plague almost took out my entire household.

After looking at a few weight loss / fitness journeys I’m slowly coming up with a plan of just keeping track of what I’m doing so when I look back I can see where I was and how far I came.
So for the month of January my plan is the do 30 Day Shred Level 2 and Level 3 2 weeks each. I do realize that not how the workout is setup but I don’t care and I still have to pause for a sec or 2 when doing it.I don’t have a certain weight goal in mind I just want to be a healthier me and be comfortable in my own skin. Sooo since the scale will NOT be my tracker tool(not to say that I won’t step on the scale at some point, its just not my main focus) I will be taking my measurements and progress photos (when I’m brave enough I’ll post) to monitor my progress before starting Level 2 I took my measurement which are as follows

Chest 38
Arms L: 12 R: 12
Waist: 40
Hips : 40
Thighs: L 20.5 R 20.5
Calves: L: 14 R: 14
Height: 5’5 Weight 187 lbs

Outside of doing 30 shred, I’m challenging myself to doing a a few 30 day challenges as my morning routine which has been helping me maintain energy throughout my day which is as follows
7 minute HIIT workout 50 sec on 10 secs rest
(jumping jumps) - I HATE doing these
lunges
mountain climbers (modified)
burpees (modified)
plank
jumping jacks (not sure why I decided to do these twice)

afterwards I follow up with Blogilates Ab challenge, Popsugar Fitness squat challenge, Shrinking Jeans push up challenge, add a light stretch and I’m good. This whole routine takes about 15- 20 minutes and I’m convinced it helps keep me focused for a good part of my day. Here’s to a healthier me.